5 Holiday Activities - Santa's Village by Google

Are you looking for some fun holiday activities for your students?  Google just might have you covered with Santa's Village!

This nifty webpage is full of fun, interactive games including coding, critical thinking puzzles, translating common holiday phrases in multiple languages, ​and even  information on holiday traditions around the world.  And, it looks like they will be adding a new game each day until Christmas!

Here are some details about some of my favorite games in Santa's Village so far:

5. Present Bounce

In this game, users must manipulate different gadgets, such as springs and conveyor belts to make the present drop into Santa's bag.  Each level has a specific number of items that can be used and the puzzles become more difficult as the levels increase.

​This would be great for critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork in the classroom!

4. Holiday Traditions

It's important that students understand that different cultures have different holiday traditions.  Click on various locations around the world and learn about their special holiday customs.

3. Code Lab

This game is another great way to practice simple coding in the classroom!  Users must use the designated code blocks to maneuver the elf to the present.  Each square in the grid requires one move or block.  Hit the play button at the bottom to watch your code play out.    

After you have completed a level, you click to see the JavaScript version of the code, too.

2. Santa's Canvas

This an interactive canvas FULL of creative options!  Students can create images with backgrounds, digital markers, spray paint, jingle bells, and falling snow!  After finishing their project, users can download the image and print it out.

Ideas for the classroom:

• Use it as your digital whiteboard with students.  (It will work on SmartBoards, interactive TVs, etc.)  Write with the jingle bells, spray paint, and more!
• Play, Win, Lose or Draw with vocabulary words.  Have students take turns drawing clues for a secret vocabulary word.  The class has to guess the word based on the drawing.
• Create a design and identify the different angles, polygons, shapes, etc. within it.
• Students can create an image and then write a story about it.

1. Code Boogie

There are two versions to this game - Dance class and Dance freestyle. 

Dance Class' premise is simple and fun - use blockly (coding with blocks) to make the elves dance in unison.  Watch closely as the first elf dances and then use the blocks to create the same dance moves in the correct order.  After you have completed a level, you can also click to see the JavaScript version of the code. Make sure the sound is on and try not to smile!

Dance Freestyle allows users to create their own moves and then share their creation through a link or on social media.  

#HappyHolidays

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